THE REASON FOR THE SEASON-EASTER

 

 

GOOD FRIDAY/EASTER

 

GOOD FRIDAY IS THE DARKEST DAY

IN ALL CHRISTIAN HISTORY.

PERFECT LOVE REACHED ITS' HEIGHT.

THIS SEEMED TO BE A MYSTERY.

 

 

 

 

EASTER IS THE GREATEST DAY

IN CHRISTIAN HISTORY FOR ALL.

JESUS AROSE!

HE BECAME OUR 'RISEN LORD'.

 

GOD SENT HIS ONLY SON

INTO THE WORLD THAT WE

MIGHT LIVE THROUGH HIM.

THE WAY 'THE ALMIGHTY' DESIGNED LIFE TO BE.

 

HE FORGIVES AND GIVES US

NEWNESS OF LIFE.

HE TELLS US HE'S 'THE WAY',

'THE TRUTH' AND 'THE LIGHT'.

 

ACCEPT THIS 'GIFT OF LOVE'

AND DO NOT BE AFRAID.

GIVE THANKS, REJOICE IN THE LORD

AND BE HAPPY AND BRAVE.

 

GIFT OF CHOICE HAS BEEN GIVEN TO RENEW OUR FAITH

IN THE LIVING RISEN CHRIST.

JESUS WALKED FORTH FROM THE TOMB.

HE PREPARED OUR JOURNEY FOR THE RIGHT.

 

MAY WE RENEW AND REFLECT ON THIS DAY

FOR THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRIST'S MISSION.

LET'S PRAY FOR THE 'WELL-BEING' OF THE COSMIC WORLD.

GIVE THANKS - PEACE BE STILL - LISTEN.

 

copyrighted by Doris Swertfeger 2002

 

Until next time,

God Bless

Doris



IT'S BEEN A GOOD RIDE.....



Whatever is your passion, never stop striving to reach it. 

It might be good to always remember: Hope, Love, Faith, Trust, Perseverance, Comfort in 'your' belief,' in something bigger than yourself will never let you down. 

May this Love and Hope surround you each moment in a tender and loving way.
May Peace and a Calm cradle you, as you continue on your journey each day.

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

'HOW  LONG DOES ONE SHARE?'   ......  'WHAT IF'?       
                                 'RSDS/CRPS'




Do I have your attention already?  Yes, the title that I have chosen for this post is:
'HOW LONG DOES ONE SHARE?' .... 'WHAT IF'? 




This title could meet anybody reading this in totally different areas and avenues in their thinking.  Would you not agree?  As you continue to read my post, you might want to picture yourself in your particular situation with this statement/title and entertain it as to how you are going to handle it.  It could make a huge difference in your life and in the lives of others.
And, continue to read and consider my point of view in behalf of RSDS/CRPS persons, as well.








Have you ever felt 'what's the use'?  Have you ever heard rumors and/or gossip?  I feel they might have a different twist at times.  And, if we do feel/hear these emotions and statements, how do we handle them? 

I feel this happens from time to time.  There are a number of things that affect those thoughts and feelings.  When do we really know how/what we do might effect another in a life changing way or even a small portion of their day.  I have/had many of those thoughts on my journey. 

As I pen this post and discern the importance of continuing on with my blog, I long to hear from others that have a word or two to share, offer, entertain, comment  .... something/anything to help RSDS/CRPS persons a better way to be treated and supported. 


I know from experience that it is a continual condition.  No, it is not in one's head.  It does exist and there isn't enough being done about it in our local area.  I am hearing and reading that there are support groups and there is a movement in others states but not here locally, that I have heard or can find.   Most medical facilities that I have been a part of say that they have heard of it and they had to study a bit about it in their college courses in their Physical Therapist requirements but that wasn't very much. But, yeah, (YES YEAH), (I am quoting them) they know a little about it.  THAT ISN'T ENOUGH,  in my humble opinion.  They just dismiss it as if it isn't really anything to be concerned about.  Well, I am here to share with you: IT IS SOMETHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT.  It is so important to have support and the tools to help oneself and than others early in the stages of RSDS/CRPS.


I remember years ago when I was asked to appear on a TV segment regarding RSDS/CRPS.  After the segment, there were several that contacted the panel for help.  These were persons with RSDS/CRPS.  And, this one person said that she didn't want to get 'too well' because she would lose her Social Security Disability.  Can you even imagine!

Therefore, once again, I feel there is a huge concern regarding both sides of RSDS/CRPS.  If a person with RSDS lives in fear of becoming 'too well' that they can't/won't even help themselves, this is truly sad.  Again, a lack of support, training and professional help.


I can continue to share about my experiences everyday but until another join this endeavor, I wonder about: 'HOW LONG DO I SHARE?'.... and than, I hear this voice within me.   'WHAT IF?'.... and than there is complete SILENCE. 


I will  just leave my thoughts there in closing this post.

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

'HOPE IS A GOLDEN ROPE'



I pen today a few reflections as I review several events in recent times.  'HOPE' can be vital in our everyday living.  The circumstances of a situation can be 'earth shattering' but 'HOPE' can be 'the seed', if you will, to see us through.....this is a link to the power of Peace, Comfort, Prayers, Faith and Trust. 

Listening to a friend this week, there is great concern as their nephew is very ill from an auto accident.  Hearing of a young man that is hurting in his back and waiting on tests results as to what is next in his journey.  Hearing of a friend's passing, this saddens our hearts.  These are just a few in a very small circle.

If you have followed my writings, you might recall my experience of my plane flight returning from Houston, Texas early on in my diagnosis of RSDS.  God revealed to me that there is 'HOPE' through Him in all things. 

There are no exceptions in age, race, or religion background and/or perils that prevent the link to 'HOPE'.  This brings me to sharing this poem that God gave me the words to pen.

 

'HOPE IS A GOLDEN ROPE'

 

'HOPE' is a Golden Rope.

Perhaps, a 'Heavenly Rope' we cannot see.

Love can cushion many fears

and comfort 'Hope' to free.

 

'Hope', trust and understanding people

help us to appreciate any gift of love.

It is vital to know when to let go

with gracious patience from above.

 

Sometimes it takes years and years

to believe there are true friends to be found.

And, not from just your well known and supportive class,

but, from simple folk from 'common ground'.

 

'Hope' is the 'Golden Rope' to heaven.

May we give thanks for even things we do not want or see.

Faith, Hope, Trust in 'one's Spirit'

are some key essentials that set all of us free.

 

copyrighted by Doris (M) Swertfeger 1992

Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

'TO MY FRIENDS IN THIS PLACE' 'RSDS/CRPS SYMPOSIUM'

This is the poem that I had promised I would share with you in my last post.

To My Friends In This Place

RSDS/CRPS Symposium

1996

 

Life is a time of changing events.

Life is also a time of changing pace.

We have traveled an unique path

in this wonderful human race.

 

We have gathered in this place

to share cheerful things and tailspins.

We have cared and shared our love

to help fight RSDS - to win.

 

We have talked and listened until weary

and just fed up with life.

We are here to give a special lift

through all our pain and strife.

So, George and I say this prayer to all:

We pray for God's protection will keep you in His care.

His Grace to intervene in trails

and His Peace to help you share.

 

We pray for 'His Will' to unfold in your tomorrows,

His Trust and Joy to be felt within.

His gracious refreshing of 'The Spirit'

to brighten each day that begins.

 

                                 Thanksgiving comes from our hearts

for God entrusting 'RSDS' to our care.

Can we trust Him enough to never ask 'WHY'

and seek true meaning with Faith....to Share?

 

It is only in our humility

that God can use us for 'His Mission'.

What silly path would we have chosen, perhaps,

to go without pain, wealth, fame; than to an empty pension?

 

We are glad loving hands prepared this time today

for us to share and help to reach our goal.

Experiences and knowledge, shared and received

are a part of our healing and go deep into the soul.

 

Thank You and God Bless and Keep You In His Care

copyrighted by Doris Swertfeger

09-07-1996

 

 

'TO ALL RSDS/CRPS PERSONS'

I penned sometime ago that I spoke at a symposium in South Bend, Indiana in the late 90's.

The committee's president of this particular symposium had asked me to speak from my view of living with this disease, RSDS/CRPS. 

First, I do not consider it a disease.  It is a 'dis-ease' and an' inconvenience' in my life.  It comes and goes and when it is in my life in a more vibrant way; I HURT, MY LEGS BURN AND THEY BECOME WEAK.  I become frustrated and it prevents me from doing most anything that I want to do during those times. 
However, I have learned to redirect my thinking and acceptance toward 'this too shall pass'.  Sounds easy but everything that I have learned during those times, my thoughts just automatically kick into gear, so to speak.  Just as if an EMT person comes upon a person that needs his/her help.  They do not dwell upon their skills all day but when the need arises, it just automatically kicks in to what they need to do. 

Now, I can just imagine anybody that is reading this that are hurting and frustrated at this time, might be thinking something along the lines of: 'SURE, THAT IS EASY FOR YOU TO SAY', 'WELL, YOU DON'T HURT LIKE I DO', 'YOU PROBABLY DON'T REALLY HAVE RSDS/CRPS'.  And, if there is anybody thinking along these lines, THAT IS OK!!!  ........ As long as you don't 'chalk up' what I am sharing to, "forget it, nobody and nothing can help ME!"  I will now share more of my story.  Please stay with me.

As I shared with many people there at the Symposium, I took my monkey puppet, George, with me.  You see, in my research on RSDS/CRPS and searching within myself with much prayer, hope and perseverance; I have found ways to learn, cope and, hopefully, help others in their coping.  I found these techniques brought 'purpose and meaning' into perceptive. My puppet, George helped me clarify as to how anybody can easily get RSDS/CRPS with a slight injury.  In this case, George came to the Symposium with an ace bandage on his elbow with RSDS/CRPS from running to third base in a baseball game and hit his elbow.   Plus, George has given many people some laughter.  Laughter is healing and releases endorphins.   

In my next post, I will pen a poem that I wrote for all persons that attended the Symposium.
The poem is titled: 'TO MY FRIENDS IN THIS PLACE' 'RSDS/CRPS SYMPOSIUM'

Please remember as we walk this journey with whatever has become our dis-ease and/or inconveniences, there is purpose and meaning in it.  I have found for me, seeking something bigger than myself in helping others has been a vital key in living life on purpose.  First, and foremost, remember, in the beginning of being diagnosed with RSDS, I could not make it on my own and I had to reach out to others.  Now, I can reach out to others to help them and 'in turn' it helps me.  WE NEED ONE ANOTHER.  RSDS/CRPS has become a part of our lives but IT DOESN'T HAVE TO CONSUME US. 

Acceptance says: True, this is my situation at the moment.  I'll look unblinkingly at the reality of it.  But, I'll also open my hands to accept willingly whatever a loving Father sends me.
Catherine Marshall

As we encounter situations that we cannot change, we must learn the wisdom of acceptance .....and we must learn to trust God and/or in a higher being. 


Until next time,
God Bless
Doris

Finish Strong Motivational Quotes

Finish Strong Motivational Quotes

Hi Friends,

Please check this film out!  It is so powerful!  Never give up!  Remember, we can finish strong.

Look beyond yourself with faith, hope and perseverance

Until next time, God Bless

Doris

Greetings,   'ATTITUDE OF LOVE'


As I was thinking today as to what I was going to pen, I pondered the weather.  Now, doesn't that sound rather strange?  Does 'the weather' effect how we look at our day?  Does 'the weather' effect how we plan our day?  Does 'the weather' effect how we feel?  Rather strange, indeed, I think.  Isn't 'WEATHER', just 'weather'?  Do we accept it 'as weather'?

We have been given a glimpse of Spring these past few weeks and our Attitude changes to happy smiling faces.  The next day when/if we have a cloudy, colder, snow flurries and wind blowing everything we have around us; our Attitude is more on the side of gloom.  Would you not agree? Therefore, I would say 'weather is more than weather' because it is effecting our day.  Or, are we allowing it to effect our day?

As I pondered this thought, I started to wonder how many other things effect how we feel, what we do, how we plan and how we act.  I feel, especially, in today's world that all of these factors can/do affect the other in some degree.  Now, the question that follows is: should they?  Who is to answer and/or take responsibility for each of these?  Perhaps, the better question is: 'will it be each of us by our own choosing'? 

I feel that Attitude is vital and it is one of  the most important things to focus or refocus, whichever the case may be, to move us along in our daily choices and actions.

Each day for all of us, there will be different things that come our way.  Some days, we will have minor things that come our way.  At times, we might feel it is a 'dull' day and on another day we might consider it 'earth shattering' and something  might happen that will change our life forever.  And, there are those days that we just can't put our finger on how we would label our day.  Sometimes, I feel that I can label a day, my 'Attitude day'. 

Many days can be good days in whatever might come my way depending on my 'Attitude'.  
Sometimes, I feel that Attitude is more important than facts.  The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the Attitude we will embrace for that day.  We cannot change the past,  we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our Attitude.  We are in charge of our Attitude.  For me, I also include Prayer.  Now this is just my way and I do not judge or feel in any way that others should follow in my line of thought and belief.  But, I believe Attitude is powerful and Prayer is the ultimate power to blend the two.   

We can change our Attitude and in our willingness we will change how we feel, how we act, how we plan and how we see the world for ourselves and in turn for others.

How does our Attitude effect RSDS/CRPS persons; in the same way it effects everything else that any person who is ill or healthy.  It will effect our 'whole being'. 
Remember we are all a lot alike but with different faces, different clothes, different houses but in the very middle, we are all the same. 
It is in our choosing from our hearts as to how we will be effected and be effective in our daily living.  Would it not be nice if we chose the 'Attitude of Love'.  Just maybe, God's creatures can teach us about the Attitude of Love.

Until next time.
God Bless
Doris

THE BIRD NEST

From my window, I did look
and what did I see?
A magnolia tree so barren
it was amazing to me.

Where had this bird's nest been?
Out of this window, I look everyday
but, today it was so plain.
It was sitting on the branches in its' own way.

I could hardly wait to get the pic
of this amazing shot of nature's work.
How the mother had crafted her babies' cradle
from leaves, straw, fuzz and even dirt.

She had been busy being a caring mother
for her family, all in stride.
The mystery of God's creation
and she mastering her skills so wise.

Her family she had cared for
since the empty nest was shown.
In proof, that their wings were sprung
and out the nest they had flown.

The bird's nest can convey so much
when we look at more than the straw.
It truly has volumes of miracles
as the Bible is, to 'His Call'.

So, the next time you have the chance
to look at a bird's nest weave.
Just remember from hence it has come
it might enhance your faith to believe.

Doris Swertfeger
(copyrighted 11-2011)
   

This bird's nest is original from mother nature's work outside our window.  The poem, I penned the day that I saw it as I looked out to behold the beauty and God gave me the words to pen them into this poem.

I am so amazed as I enjoy mother's nature work all around us.  With Spring in the air, I thought this would be a good day to express this particular post. 

I feel there are so many ways for coping, healing and our enjoyment.  It is the little things in life that can bridge those gaps that can surprise us in big ways.

Until next time.
God Bless.
Doris

Inspiration
 

Hi Friends,                                    'A LIGHT READ'


Today, I have chosen a light read for, perhaps, a laugh or fun or something insightful.

IT MAY BE THAT YOUR SOLE PURPOSE IN LIFE IS SIMPLY TO SERVE AS A WARNING TO OTHERS.

'A TEACHER WAS WINDING UP A DISCUSSION IN HER FOURTH GRADE CLASS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CURIOSITY.  "WHERE WOULD WE BE TODAY IF NO ONE HAD EVER BEEN CURIOUS?"  ONE OF HER STUDENTS PIPED UP, ' IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN?"

YOU KNOW THE SPEED OF LIGHT, SO WHAT'S THE SPEED OF DARK?

IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE, POLISH THE DULL SIDE.

I AM READING A MOST INTERESTING BOOK ABOUT ANTI-GRAVITY.  I JUST CAN'T PUT IT DOWN.

THE CHANCE OF THE BREAD FALLING WITH THE BUTTERED SIDE DOWN IS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL TO THE COST OF THE CARPET.

I'M NOT 40-SOMETHING.  I'M $39.95, PLUS SHIPPING AND HANDLING.

WHY CAN'T WOMEN PUT ON MASCARA WITH THEIR MOUTHS CLOSED?

YOU MAY TOUCH THE DUST IN THIS HOUSE, BUT PLEASE DON'T WRITE IN IT!
IF YOU DO WRITE IN THE DUST, PLEASE DON'T PUT A DATE ON IT!

SMART IS WHEN YOU BELIEVE ONLY HALF OF WHAT YO HEAR.  BRILLIANT IS WHEN YOU KNOW WHICH HALF TO BELIEVE. 

CLEANING YOUR HOUSE WHILE YOUR KIDS ARE STILL GROWING IS LIKE SHOVELING THE DRIVE BEFORE IT HAS STOPPED SNOWING.


I like to share on my post various things.  I am a simple person.  I stated this in my profile in the beginning of my post. 
Life would be very dull if we did the same things over and over and not mix a variety of interests in our living.  So, today, I chose to write on the lighter side. 

At the end of each post that you read, please note a 'COMMENT' area that you can hit. I welcome anybody/everybody to feel free in writing a comment.  And, should you like to become a follower on my blog, there is a place to hit on the right side of post.  I would welcome this, as well.

I close this post with this: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians

Until next time.
God Bless!
Doris

Hi Friends,    'TIME TO MOVE CLOCKS FORWARD...WHAT ABOUT  'OUR CLOCK'?'

Today is the day that we move our clocks forward!  This brings many thoughts to mind as to how this effects other dimensions in our lives. 

There will be 'little ones' waking up a little later than they did this morning, there will be more light outdoors when persons get off of work at 5:00 p.m., there will be 'bellies' feeling hungry pains a bit earlier and sleep patterns will change.  Isn't this amazing?

This small move of the clock's knob will effect numerous other moves that we make because of this one hour time change.  Unbelievable, isn't it?  

On the other hand, this could be a time that we may choose to change a bit.  We might want to reflect on something we would like to change in our day that would effect more than an hour of our life and others but it might take only fifteen minutes to do. 

Perhaps, call a friend, take a walk, read, start a journal, exercise something, eat a different fruit, drink a different drink, laugh everyday.  Do one act of kindness for somebody.  All of the things that I have listed, we can do in less than fifteen minutes per day.  And yes, I am right in here with you. I can/will do this, too.
All of us have 'our muddy ruts' of struggles we walk in from time to time, but we can travel a bit easier when we try not to walk it alone.  I understand when one walks in mud, if they hold the hand of a friend, they tend to stay in a upright position better.

Let's take a minute to reflect on what we wish and pray for at times.  Sometimes, we act as if we want it ALL but do we?  What is ALL?! 

'WELL, I WANT HEALTH'?  BUT,  I DON'T HAVE IT OR DO I?  I feel that we all have 'Health'.  It just might not be in the way we would want it.  Health is what we make it?  Is it? Health is a teacher?  Or is it? I said in my last post that Health is Priceless and Problems are Priceless.  Did I loose you?  I hope not.  Soon, I will share with you how Problems can transform into Inconveniences.  This I can testify to because I believe;  His Grace Is Sufficient. 

This brings me to sympathy and empathy.  Remember my sharing in an earlier post, I did not like sympathy during my times of great pain and I longed for empathy.  Have you ever thought of what sympathy really is:  It is given to support the weakness in a person.  When a person gives another sympathy in loss of a loved one, this is sympathy and it helps comfort.

Empathy is given to support the strength in a person.  When a person gives another empathy during a struggling time in their life to cope, this is empathy and it offers encouragement.  

I read recently from a daily calendar that is on my desk:  I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.  I think maybe next time I'll just be content being weak! (are you laughing yet?)

The next line read:   2 Corinthians 12:10  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. 

Now, this was the beginning and the end of what was on the Calendar.  Sometimes, I feel it helps to read more for clarity.  Things are taken out of context and this is why I am very guarded in sharing biblical scriptures and/or do I listen to cliches.  I have heard many and they don't set will with me.  You will not hear me preaching or quoting tons of scriptures.  I am not a scholar in the Bible by any means.  I share my experiences and beliefs. 

Nevertheless, I read the rest of the scripture just before this in my bible and it reads: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12:9
(It just might help to write this scripture on a piece of paper and keep it near you.  I find it powerful.  It is in little things as these steps that will be building blocks to your transforming those problems into inconveniences)

I close with this.  My views and beliefs will be different from your views and beliefs.  My mission is to share my story humbly and in empathy from my heart to your heart.   We are all on a journey and if our paths cross for the reasons that are 'Divinely Meant To Be' than I feel it is a worthwhile effort to walk together for awhile. 

Let's never loose sight of Hope in all that we do.  God has a Purpose For Your Life and His Grace is Sufficient To See You Through.

God Bless!
Doris

Hello Friends,

 'MAKING FRIENDS-PRICELESS & GIVE THANKS FOR PROBLEMS-PRICELESS'

Problems are inevitable on our journey.  Every problem can teach us something.
They can transform us little by little into the masterpiece that the Lord created us to be.
Or, by our choices, they can be stumbling blocks by which we fall when we react with distrust, defiance and lack of hope. 

Believing comes from the very depths of who we are.  When we believe, it comes from our heart, not our head.  As we look at our loved ones, do we want to embrace them and do we want to be with them?  Of course, we do. Do we learn from our Friends and grow with/from them?
Of course, we do.   Do we not, think and pray for them that we will grow in His Love and fellowship with our Friends for the good of everyone?  I do!  So, I feel it is fair to say that we become a better person/persons when we bond and stay close to our friends.  Would you not agree?  Why else would we want to be with them, embrace them, and give thanks for them.

Friends are gifts from our heavenly Father, our Lord, our God, a higher power and/or whomever you believe in your heart that provides all things in this world, to those that choose to accept.  This ultimate belief that we know in our hearts that friends nurtures us and allows us to be a better person for ourselves and others is truly a gift.  
MAKING FRIENDS-PRICELESS.

Have we ever thought of Thanking our Heavenly Father for OUR PROBLEMS?  NOT SO MUCH, I am sure.  Well, let me share a little of my story that gave me pause to do just that.
I Thanked God for my Problems! 

You must understand as you are reading my posts that I will repeat myself in various ways from time to time.  And, I give myself permission to do this because this is my story and it is very difficult to have everything in order over a 20 plus years.  So, bear with me.  I am just a simple person, remember me stating this in my profile? This is all relevant.

I shared with you that I had a 'near death experience' in the 1990's.  So much pain, stress and what I had thought and felt was a 'world of hurt' in my life over the past two years of my RSDS/CRPS, I had awaken from a 'near death experience'.  The first thing that went through my mind was: 'where am I and what am I doing here'.  I had been in this wonderful vibrant place of colors, light and a sense of  'awe'.  I looked around and saw a doctor standing over me, oxygen on my face, an IV tubing in my arm and I knew just one thing; I didn't want to be in this place!  After recovering from that episode and some very difficult days that followed, I truly started questioning where God was and why in the world he would bring me back to this! 

Soon afterwards,  with help from others, mostly from an awesome pastor, I searched, prayed, listened and chose to rethink and discern that God must have a reason for allowing me to go through these experiences.  Many reasons, in fact.  One, He had allowed RSD to become a part of my life.  Secondly, He allowed me to go through the 'near death experience' and thirdly, He allowed me to return back from the 'near death experience' for a reason. 

Instead of my becoming angry with God, which I did for quite a while, I chose to focus on the positive and would 'counteract' every negative thought that came into my mind with a positive thought.  I was making better choices each day and as I did this day after day, I begin to BELIEVE in my heart, not my head, that there was a mission for my life right where I was. 

I believed in my heart that 'God allowed in His Wisdom What He Could Have Easily Prevented in His Power.'  This quote is by Graham Cooke and I cannot take credit for it but when I read this, I believed/believe in my heart that this was/is my mission.

If I had never traveled this path without RSDS/CRPS, (a problem), I BELIEVE that I would have never growth into the person that I was Divinely Meant to Be.

I THANKED/THANK GOD FOR PROBLEMS-PRICELESS

I will share very soon on my post: How Problems can transform into Inconveniences.

Until next time,
God Bless!
Doris

Greetings,

I wrote this poem, A Rainbow of Hope, in 1995.  I will share with you soon as to
who God chose to help inspire it. 

A RAINBOW OF HOPE

TODAY I SAW A RAINBOW.
IT LOOKED LIKE ONE THAT I HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE.
IT WAS WARM WITH VIBRANT COLORS.
I WANTED IT FOR MY VERY OWN.

THE RAINBOW WAS SHIMMERING WITH LIGHT
AND FULL OF WONDER.  IT GAVE ME PEACE IN MY HEART.
I KNEW FROM THIS MOMENT, THERE WAS HOPE FOR MY HEALING
AND I COULD LEARN FROM THIS RAINBOW CHART.

I HEARD A SOFT WHIRRING SOUND
LIKE THE WINGS OF A BIRD BY THE SEA.
AND AS I LOOKED AROUND THIS PLACE,
THE LOVELY RAINBOW WAS ENFOLDING ME.

I GIVE THANKS FOR THE RAINBOW REVEALING MY MISSION
FOR THE BLENDING OF COLORS COME FORTH.
A SOFT GENTLE STIRRING CAME ALL OVER ME.
MY HEART FELT THIS VISION OF HOPE, FOR MY LIFE'S WORTH.

IT IS AMAZING HOW THE SPIRIT
CAN EFFECT OUR STRIVING TO BE ALIVE.
THIS NEW 'AWAKENING CALL', WAS HOW GOD REVEALED
HIS LOVE THROUGH THE 'RAINBOW OF HOPE, FOR ME TO THRIVE.

WE SHOULD NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE CREATOR.
HE HAS A MISSION FOR EACH OF US IN HIS OWN WAY.
IT STARTS WITH HIM AND THEN IT IS OUR CHOICE OF 'WILL'.
OUR MISSION WILL BEGIN FROM THIS POINT, LET'S MAKE IT TODAY.

GOD BLESS!
copyrighted 1995
DORIS

'A RAINBOW OF HOPE' Poem to follow on my next post.

Greetings Friends,

Today as I was listening and discerning as to what to pen today, I thought of the different aspects on my journey early on in my diagnosis of RSDS/CRPS.  I will share a poem that I have written titled, 'A Rainbow of Hope' in my next post. Without Hope, there isn't a beginning nor an end.  There is just this tremendous loss and/or hole, if you will.  Therefore, I feel it is vital to have Hope for everything and anything in our life and living.

Please note that I experienced many things to help me adjust, learn, cope and grow during these 20 plus years with RSDS/CRPS.  I searched out many things to help myself for the physical, mental, spiritual and in the nutritional aspect to mend, heal and complete the 'whole' of my entire being.  Body, Mind and Spirit effects all areas of ones body for complete healing and maintenance.   

Therefore, as I strive to help others in sharing my experiences, I will try to relate as to what I feel and know in my heart is/was important. The first thing one needs to be aware of is when we are hurting we must be 'open' and 'willing' to help ourselves in allowing other people into our life during this time, especially, in the beginning of your diagnosis, unprofessional and others.   

I feel this applies to any facet of life's struggles.  I believe that God designed us this way. Everybody needs support through caring and love.  I am sure that some reading this that know me finds this surprising as I am and have been a private person and still am in many areas of my life.  And, I still feel that is my choice and I haven't wavered from that.  I am speaking of real life trauma struggles and times we cannot help ourselves and than 'in turn' to help others in making a real difference. 
I am not speaking of the 'gossip' or 'facebook chattering' that we see from time to time that at the end of the day serves no good purpose.  This is just my choice and opinion in sharing.  I felt that I needed to clarify this for anybody that might be reading my post and have taken this in an incorrect fashion. 

Nevertheless,  this is where I decide to begin my post for today.  And, as I progressed into better days,  I chose to pen the poem, A Rainbow of Hope.  I feel that all of the people in the world cannot reach, help and/or support another unless the person that is hurting is willing to listen and see and/or search/believe in HOPE. 

Remember, I shared that after I found out my diagnosis in Houston, TX, I was on this airplane flight coming back to my home town of Evansville, IN, alone?  I had time to think, to panic, to fear, to sink into a place where I could not see nor feel Hope. 

However, I had already heard a friend share with me what HOPE can do.  I remember looking out of the airplane's window and flying midst the clouds, my mind drifted and I pulled out a pencil and paper and drew a little girl's picture.  This little girl was frail, she had no jacket that fit her, her cuffs were folded up very uneven, her tennis shoes were untied, dragging on the ground and she looked lost.  This was my image of 'me'.  I had penciled in this little girl that was lost, in pain and knew she needed HOPE.   

I penciled just beneath her picture the name of 'HOPE'.  And, as this awakening experience was unfolding before my eyes, beside her picture I penned these words:
I will begin my life on Purpose.  Her name, Hope, reminds me that all things happen for good when we reflect upon our Hope in the Divine and go within to tap into our resources to live our Life to the Fullest in a Way That is Divinely Meant To Be.

'A RAINBOW OF HOPE' follows in my next post.


God Bless!
Doris

Sunday evening

Hi Friends,

I am sharing with anybody that wants to read my posts.  Some of the things that I write is positive and some is just reality that I feel is important to reflect on and learn how to cope and accept in our life and living.

I am sure we all have heard the statement: It doesn't take long to look around us and see somebody worse off than we are.  Have you ever heard this? I have and I have felt this.

I am grateful for what RSD has taught/is teaching me.  I feel that I have learned volumes about life and living and if RSD had not crossed my path, I wouldn't be the person that I am today.
I can honestly say that I enjoy my life and living and from hence I have come.  Pain, sorrow, lessons, setbacks; yes, but I am a more rounded, deeper caring, spiritual person now. 

I read somewhere that if you walked into a place and there was a huge table with crosses all over it and each cross represented your burdens/crosses to bear in life, that you would most likely pick up the one that was your cross/burdens in the first place.  It is good that we have no control of what comes our way.  I feel and believe that there is a 'higher power' greater than ourselves that knows what is best for our journey in life. 

Now, perhaps, what we can do to make those burdens/crosses lighter would be to reflect/focus on what they might mean to have crossed our path and learn from them.  Just maybe, they were put in our path for us to slow down and listen within as to what it is that this 'cross' is trying to teach me.  Sometimes we need to refocus and go down a different path on our journey. 

I remember many years ago now when I was diagnosed with RSDS/CRPS that I was just doing my thing. I didn't think too much about what was going to be happening in the future.  Just living my life and enjoying most of it, with my ten year old daughter.  I was a single parent with a good job and enjoying my work. 

And, than one day, it all changed.  Trauma from a previous surgery started to tailspin and that is when RSDS/CRPS entered my life and living.  The only thing that I really knew that I wanted was to survive as a good mother for my daughter for I was a single parent.  I HAD TO WORK AND I HAD A PURPOSE BESIDES MYSELF.  After crying the 'why me' and started focusing through support.  The 'Why Me' changed to 'Why Not Me'. My family, neighbors, church family and my work family were awesome!

I just want to say that I would never have made it to where I am now if I would have tried to handle RSD on my own.  EVERYBODY NEEDS SUPPORT.  RSDS/CRPS persons need support when all that they feel is  PAIN.  Empathy from another is the first step in healing.  Sympathy got me nowhere.  I wanted somebody to understand me and NOT feel sorry for me. And, if they haven't experienced RSD, they can still be there in love, caring and allowing you to just 'BE in the Moment'.  That heals and comforts pain.

You know, sometimes it is hard to cope and share and even get up in the mornings but if we don't keep trying we cannot help ourselves or anybody else.

So, on those days that we find it so very hard to move, move anyways!  Yes, call somebody and share ANYTHING with somebody.  This is the first thing that I found that helped me the most from going into a depression.  And, even if you don't say a word other than, "Hi, this is ______, I am not having a good day."  And, your friend or whomever you have chosen to call will take care of the rest for awhile.  BUT, WE HAVE TO START TO MOVE AND TRY TO REACH OUT.  The rest will follow.  Believe me, I am not sharing anything that I haven't experienced myself.  I didn't/don't want to just hear stories that sound good.  I always wanted to hear the truth even when it hurt. 

If I could wish anything today that I could say or do to help any person in pain but especially, to RSDS/CRPS persons since having RSDS has inspired me to start my blog; it would be to first and foremost, search for a purpose to live for, look for a passion to fulfill and keep your focus on something that is bigger than you are and/or your pain.  Take up a hobby and/or do something that fills your head/heart and life.  And, secondly, KEEP MOVING! 
I was told if I ever sit and did not move, I would be in a wheelchair the rest of my life.  I truly believe this because if I get the flu or I am off of my feet for days, I hurt and I know and reflect on what I was told.  WE MUST KEEP MOVING.

I worked for several years after my diagnosis of RSD.  The only reason that I could do this was because I had an awesome employer and I worked with some awesome co-workers.  I will never forget their support.  They allowed me to be an equal in the midst of my struggles and treated me the same as before I was diagnosed with RSD.  If any of you are reading this post, thanks, once again.  You all know who you are.  You're the best!
I remember having a button attached to the wall of my cubicle.   The button had a picture of a penguin on it.  The reading on it read: I can't fly but I get around just fine!  And, so DID I! 

Most importantly to remember, we can't go it alone.  It's ok to ask for help and than we all win.

Until next time,
God Bless!
Doris